Tips on Buying Outdoor Furniture

Entertaining outside on the patio isn’t what it used to be.
Once a modest space has now become an outdoor room – an extension of your
indoors, complete with built-in kitchens, fireplaces, and surround sound. And
the one thing that completes the picture is outdoor furniture.

A solid build and a comfortable feel are the two most
important factors when it comes to patio furniture. It doesn’t
matter whether the furniture is high-end or from a “value” super store; if it’s
solid and comfortable then you’re good to go.

You can find some
great deals in low-end furniture found at super-value stores – just because
it’s inexpensive doesn’t mean it’s not built well. You can usually find well
made quality construction with even finishes and quality fabrics. A dining
table with four chairs will cost anywhere from $300 to $800 vs. the higher end
that starts at $1,000 and goes as high as $15,000.

When it comes to outdoor dining tables and chairs you can
usually find them sold as sets in patio furniture stores and value stores,
though many online companies sell them separately. If you do opt for a set make sure to sit in the chairs and check them
for comfort. Make sure the seat is deep enough and the armrests are wide
enough. And, while you’re sitting in the chair pull it up to the table and
check out the height – does the seat height feel right with the table
height? If the chairs are too low or too
high you and your guests will not be comfortable for too long, especially while
dining.

Another item you
should pay attention to is the nuts and bolts – those great doodads that hold
the furniture together. Sometimes we get so caught up in the look of the
furniture that we forget to inspect the little things. Are the nuts and bolts
hidden or capped? Caps are good - they keep moisture away from the screws and
bolts. If the fasteners are exposed they should be made of stainless steel
otherwise you’ll have a rust problem in the future.

This is the most cost effective and requires the least
maintenance. It’s a great choice for durability and for resisting corrosion;
look for pieces that have the special powder coating to prevent rust or you’ll
end up with orange puddles underneath your furniture after the first rain.
Doesn’t peal or chip, doesn’t need to be periodically painted or stained, and
requires only occasional hosing down. Comes in a wide variety of colors and
price points.